A key step in starting a lawsuit is service of process; that is, giving the defendant official notice of the claims. While a plaintiff’s friend or family member is permitted to serve process, there are drawbacks: Nonprofessionals don’t know the complex rules governing service of process, and lack experience in safely and successfully completing the task.
Using a professional a registered process server or a deputy sheriff is a good decision. But which is the right choice?
Survey of Law Office Personnel
Some 100 legal secretaries and paralegals participated in a recent survey rating and comparing licensed process servers and deputy sheriffs. According to these legal professionals who regularly make service of process arrangements, the answer is clear: 78% rated registered process servers higher than deputies, and use them more often.
One survey respondent explained that the only times she uses the sheriff’s office is in an area where she cannot locate a reasonably priced process server or if the defendant is in jail or is a government entity.
Specific Categories: Knowledge, Speed, Success, Cost
Survey participants evaluated several criteria, including speed of service, success rate, and knowledge of process-serving laws.
Speed of Service
Respondents reported that 90% of the time, process servers do the job faster. One reason cited for this lopsided result is that process-serving is the primary focus of the registered process server; the sheriff’s office has many other priorities and responsibilities.
Customer Service
Again, process servers rated higher, scoring a 4.28 rating (out of a possible 5) compared with the 2.55 result for the deputies. Since there is competition within the private process- serving field, providers know they must give good service and results or they won’t be hired again.
Knowledge of Laws
The process servers were rated by 58% of respondents as more knowledgeable, while 13% chose the deputies. Some 29% concluded there is no difference.
Success Rate
Participants reported that 92% of the time, registered process servers were successful, compared with a 74% success-rate for the deputies.
Cost
The average cost for process servers was higher – but just slightly: The differential was just $14.41 per service. But the fee structure for process servers takes into account multiple attempts and mileage while the sheriffs’ cited rate does not.
Legal professionals who regularly deal with process-serving matters believe licensed process servers are well worth their reasonable charges and are the clear choice to effect successful service of process.
Velocity Legal Services is able to assist you with all of your service of process needs. We can serve any paper or any legal document anywhere in the United States. We have registered process servers ready to help you. Call us today at 800-300-6044 to get started.